Compact light stands

[fast14riot]

I'm in need of some light stands and am looking for recommendations. I have been looking at the 7' compact variety, LumoPro seems to have a nice one. I'm interested in collapsed size, able to be used as a boom with VAL (voice activated lightstand, aka wife or helper) doesn't need to hold heavy AC studio lights, mainly going to use speedlights right now. So, I guess swivels, cold shoe, shoot through umbrellas are also needed. Don't want to spend th money on pocket wizard right now, the SB-800 and SB-28 will be either wired or optical slave to the D200. I also have several cheap little optical slave flashes (no power adjust) I can use for fill or background.

So, what brands should I consider? As always, cost is a factor.


-Xander

 

[fast14riot]

So, anyone here use or have used light stands? I know there are some portrait photogs here.


-X

 

[Mick]

Most of my stuff is pretty old... Almost all is Broncolor so purposes built for the lighting that is attached to it. I have not bought any new light stands in several decades.

The SV stuff is a little light duty for a boom unless you counterbalance it well.

I'm surprised no one has made any recommendations. I'm not up to speed on new equipment.

 

[OfTheWild]

I used some big expensive C stands for the studio lights. but if you're just looking for some speedlight stands i have a pair of these setups that work great out in the field: http://www.adorama.com/WE28AFK.html

 

[OfTheWild]

oh also, if you don't want to drop the money for a pocket wizard set, Paul C. Buff (alien bees) has a wireless system as well thats rather inexpensive and works pretty well. I have some issues with the triggers "falling asleep" that i haven't figured out yet but i'm sure its something i'm not doing right.

 

[mmillerphoto]

Hi Xander. I use lots of different light stands for my day-to-day work. I always have one or two of these with me:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612771-REG/Manfrotto_5001B_5001B_Nano_Black_Light.html

Usually I prefer to use heavier stands. And if I'm working outside, I need to use a weight, as well. Manfrotto products are built well enough. When the situation calls for the light to be "hidden" in the background, and the stand is too large, you could consider using a super clamp or a mini tripod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680181-REG/Manfrotto_209_Tabletop_Tripod_Legs.html

Those Joby ones are pretty handy, as well.
Good Luck!